Sash balance



Feb. 19, 1963 R. K. ERCK SASl-I BALANCE INVENTOR.

Filed May 23. 1962 R. K. ERCK SASH BALANCE Feb. 19, 1963 2 sheets-sheet 2 Filed May 23. 1962 3,077,631 SASH BALNEE Richard K. Erclr, Mundelein, lll., assigner to Master Metal Strip Service, lne., Rolling Meadows, Ell., a corporation of illinois Filed May 23, i962, Ser. No. 197,023 lll Claims. ((11. 16-197) This invention relates in general to window and window frame construction `and more particularly to a sash balance arrangement.

lt is a well known expedient, of course, to counter balance a window so as to hold it in a predetermined position after movement in a window frame. Numerous balance arrangements of onev type or another have been utilized. rl`r-aditionally, in a wooden window frame, for example, a sash weight cord is hung over a .pulley mounted on the window frame with the cord attached `to the Window. The window is thus supported in counter balanced relationship at any level to which it might be raised. for example.

Ret ent years have seen the development of various new and improved sash balance arrangements, certain of which are particularly adaptable to window -frames formed of light metal such as aluminum or the like. One such sash balance arrangement employs tension coil springs secured to the bottom of a window sash and to the top of the window frame. ln a sash balance rearrange ment of this type the coil springs are conventionally attached to the sash through the medium of a -spring anchoring device or the like.

This invention is concerned with an improved sash balance arrangement of this general type, including a new `and improved spring anchor construction.

it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved sash balance arrangement.

it is another obiect to provide a sash balance arrangement which assures unimpeded movement of a window sash in a window frame.

.lt is still another obiect lto provide a sash balance ar rangement including a new and improved spring anchor construction which assures proper seating of a window sash on the spring anchor.

lt is still another object to provide a spring anchor embodying a construction which prevents interference between the anchor and ya window frame channel in which the window sash is seated.

lt is yet another `object to provide a spring anchor of the aforedescribed character which facilitates ease of attachment and detachment to a coil spring.

These `and other objects `are realized in accordance with the present invention by providing an improved sash balance arrangement including a new Iand improved spring anchor construction for supporting a window sash. The invention contemplates an arrangement whereby a spring anchor cooperates with the housing surrounding a sash balance spring or the like to center the anchor under va window sash preparatory to the window sash being seated on the anchor. 'i` he anchor is, of course, connected to the lower extremity of lthe balance spring for movement vertically in a channel which deines a portion of one side of a window frame and forms `a seat for the sliding window sash.

The spr-ing anchor embodying features of the present invention is constructed in a manner which obviates interference between the anchor and any portion of the channel during vertical movement of the sash as supported by the sash balance arrangement. In addition, the anchor is readily attachable to and detachable from the balance spring.

The invention, both as to its organiza-tion and method of operation, .taken with further objects and advantages Eildl Patented Feb. i9, i933:

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22 thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE l is a perspective view of a portion of a double Window frame and wind-ow assembly incorporating sash balance `arrangements embodying features or the present invention;

yIGURE 2 is a sectional View taken along line 2-2 of FIGURE l;

`FlGURE 3 is a perspective view of a :spring anchor embodying features of the present invention;

FIGURE 4 is a front elevational view of a side frame member in .the double window frame showing sash balance arrangements embodying features of the present invention;

FIGURE 5 is a side elevational view of the frame member illustrated in FIGURE 4;

FEGURE 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FrGURE 4; and

FIGURE 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FlGURE 4.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG- URE l, a double window and frame assembly is shown generally at llo, with parts broken away. The assembly it? includes a pair of oppositely disposed double channel side frame members ll (only one of which is shown) which support an upper window l2 and a lower window l?, for sliding movement relative thereto and relative to each other. The double channel side frame members '1l as well as the top and bottom frame members (not shown) tot the frame are preferably formed of sheet aluminum in a well known manner.

The upper window l2 includes a pane ld of glass or the like appropriately mount-ed in a conventional wooden sash l5, while the lower window lit includes a corresponding pane .16 appropriately mounted in another wooden sash. l?. The lower sash l? is slidably mounted in the front channel Ztl of the double channel side frame member il in offset relationship with the upper sash l5. The upper sash l5 is, or" course, slidably mount-ed in the rear channel 2d of the frame member ll. This arrangement permits vertical movement of the windows l2 and 13 relative to each other in .a well known manner.

The upper window sash l5 is grooved, as at 22, along its vertically extending sides (only one of which is shown) to receive a generally tubular housing 23 forming a component of the sash balance arrangement 24 (see FIGURE 2) embodying features of the present invention and mounted in the rear channel 2l. The lower window 13 is correspondingly grooved, as at 22, to receive a generally tubular housing 23 which forms a component of an identical sash balance arrangement 24 associated with the front channel 2li. The front and back channels 20 and 21, and their associated sash balance arrangements 24 embodying features of the present invention, are identical in construction and configuration. Consequently, to simplify a description of the invention, only the front channel `2h and its relationship of the lower windowql as well as the corresponding sash balance arrangement Z4', will be described in detail. Identical reference numerals identify like components associated with the rear channel 21.

The front channel 20 comprises a pair of generally parallel side walls 3d joined by a base panel 3l upon which the generally tubular housing 23 is mounted. The tubular housing 23 has outwardly extending flanges 32 which might be secured to the base panel 3l in any well known manner such as by light rivets or the like. The housing 23 extends only a portion of the length of the channel 2l), as will be seen, to a point substantially adjacent the uppermost extremity of the lower window sash 17 and the lowermost extremity of the upper window sash 15. This arrangement is to permit the lower window 13 full travel from the bottom of the side frame member 1l to the top thereof in a well known manner.

Referring specifically to FlGURE 2, the sash balance arrangement 24 embodying features of the present invention (of which the generally tubular housing 23 forms a component) will also be seen to include a tension coil spring 35 extending through the housing. The coil spring 3S preferably has a substantially closed loop 36 formed at its upper end, the loop 36 being hooked over the upper edge of the base panel 31 of the front channel 20. The lower end of the coil springV 35 is in turn preferably formed in a substantially closed loop 37 which is hooked onto a spring anchor 40 upon which the window sash 17 is seated for sliding travel in the channel 20.

The substantially tubular housing 23, the tension coil spring 55, and the spring anchor 4o comprise the sash balance arrangement24 and, as such, they cooperate to assure proper centering of the spring anchor 40 under the window sash 17 when the sash is initially seated on the anchor. As a result, the spring anchor 4u cannot become cocked prior to or during seating of the sash 17 upon the anchor and prevent the sash from seating correctly on the anchor.

In addition, the construction of each spring anchor 40 is such that it will not interfere with the base panel 31 as the window 13 travels up and down in the channel 20. Furthermore, the construction of each spring anchor 4G is such that the loop 37 formed at the base of the tension coil spring 35 can readily be attached to and detached from the spring anchor 40' even though the loop is substantially closed; a substantially closed loop assuring a strong and double connection, of course.

Turning now to FIGURE 3, the construction of each spring anchor 40 is shown in substantial detail. Each anchor 40 is preferably formed of a sheet metal such as aluminum or the like and includes a central raised platform 50, depending sides 51, and outwardly extending arms 52. A lip 53 is formed upwardly from the platform 50 and is adapted to receive the loop 37 formed on the lower end of a tension coil spring 35. A slight downward extension 55 is formed adjacent the free end of the lip 53 to assure retention of the loop 37 thereunder. As can readily be understood, the provision of such a free ended lip 53 serves to permit ready attachment to and detachment from a preferably closed loop such as the loop 37 formed on the end of a tension spring 35. A substantially closed loop is preferred, of course, because it has lesser tendency to pull out and become detached than the relatively open hooks necessarily utilized with spring anchors heretofore employed wherein closed end attachment lips were formed.

Centering of a spring anchor l40 under a corresponding window sash 17 when the window sash is being seated is assured by an ear 45 which protrudes from the forward edge of the platform 50 on the spring. anchor 4?. The ear 45 is adapted to seat in a slot 46 (see FIGURE 4) appropriately formed in the lower extremity of the generally tubular housing 23. Only when the spring anchor 40 is correctly centered will the ear 45 be received in the slot 46. The ear 45 has an upwardly turned extension 6) formed at its outer end to prevent the ear from backing orf from the outer arc of the tubular housing 23 when the anchor is properly centered under the housing.` This relationship, which is best seen in FIGURE 6, prevents the spring anchor 40 from moving back against the base panel 31 of the channel 20 when the sash 17 is seated and consequently prevents the spring anchor from subsequently rubbing against the base panel as the sash Vmoves up and down in the channel.

Continuing to refer to FIGURE 6, it Will be seen that the outwardly extending arms S2 of the spring anchor 40 angle away from the base panel 31 of the front channel Ztlawhen the anchoriscentered undery a tubular housing 23. As a result, the arms 52 of the anchor 40 cannot engage the base panel 31 of the channel 29 as the spring anchor 40 travels upwardly and downwardly in the channel in support of the sash 17. The forward sweep of the arms 52 thus obviate scoring of the panel 31 by the anchor 40' or catching the anchor di) in some way to cause disengagement of the anchor from the sash, for example.

To assure -rm seating of the sash 17 on the outwardly extending arms 52 of the spring anchor 4i), a pair of upwardly extending teeth 61 are formed at the outermost extremity of each of the arms 52. These teeth 61 are adapted to press upwardly into the hase of the preferably wooden sash 17 whereupon the sash is semipermanently seated on the spring anchor 4G in counterbalanced relationship with a corresponding coil spring 35.

Prior to the sash 17 being seated on a spring anchor 130, the spring anchor is held tightly up against the lower extremity of a corresponding tubular housing 23, as best seen in FIGURE 4. In this relationship, the ear 45 on each spring anchor il is seated in a corresponding slot t6 formed in the tubular housing 23. The upwardly turned extension 66 on theear 45 is effective to hold the spring anchor 4d outwardly from the 4base panel 31 of the channel 20.

When a sash 17 is seated on the corresponding spring anchor 40, the upwardly extending teeth 61 on the arms 52 of the anchor embed themselves in the base of the Wooden sash with the anchor in perfectly aligned relationship. Thereafter, travel of the sash up and down the channel 20, for example, is never impeded by interference between the anchor itl and the base panel 31 of the channel.

Due to the fact that the lip 53 formed on the upper platform 50 of each anchor 40 is an open ended lip, a substantially closed loop 37 formed on the lowerA extremity of a corresponding tension coil spring can readily be slipped onto or off of the lip. As has been pointed out, this permits the utilization of the substantially high strength qualities of a closed loop as opposed to the relatively open ended hook which must be formed on a coil spring when a conventional lip having both ends thereof fixed to a platform is utilized.

What has been demonstrated, as will readily be understood, is a sash balance arrangement which assures unimpeded movement of a window sash in a window frame. The new and improved spring anchor construction, which is incorporated in the sash balance arrangement embodying features of the present invention, assures proper seating of the window sash on the spring anchor in a manner of the window sash on the spring anchor in a manner which prevents interference between the anchor and the window framey channel when the window sash is seated. Furthermore, the spring anchor is readily attached and detached to a coil spring having the desirable substantially closed loop coil formed at its lower extremity.

While an embodiment described herein is at present considered to be preferred, it is understood that various modifications and improvements may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and improvements as fall within the tnue spirit and scope of the invention.

What is desired to be claimed and secured by Letters V)Patent of the United States is:

l. A sash balance arrangement for counter balancing a window sash slidably mounted in the opposed vertically extending channels of a window frame comprising resilient means mounted in at least one of said channels, anchor means connected to said resilient means, said anchor means adapted to engage the window sash in supporting relationship for travel in said one channel, and cooperating orientation means on said anchor means and in said channel for aligning said anchor means in predetermined relationship with said one channel and accordingly with the sash before the sash is initially seated on said anchor means to assure proper seating of the sash thereon.

2. The arrangement of claim l further characterized in that said anchor means has means associated therewith for preventing interference of said anchor means with said one channel.

3. A sash balance arrangement for counter balancing a window sash slidably mounted in the opposed vertically extending channels of a window frame comprising an elongated housing mounted in at least one of said channels, resilient means in said housing, anchor means connected to said resilient means, said anchor means adapted to engage the window sash in supporting relationship for travel in said one channel, and cooperating orientation means on said housing and said anchor means for aligning said anchor means in predetermined relationship with said housing and accordingly with the sash before the sash is initially seated on said anchor means to assure proper seating of the sash thereon.

4. The sash balance arrangement of claim 3 further characterized in that said cooperating means includes slot means formed in the lower extremity of said housing and extension means formed on said anchor means for seating in said slot means.

5. The sash balance arrangement of claim 3 further characterized in that said resilient means comprises a tension coil spring having a closed loop formed at its lower end, and lip means formed on said anchor means for receiving and retaining said substantially closed loop.

6. The sash balance arrangement of claim 4 further characterized in that said anchor means has means associated therewith for preventing interference of said anchor means with said one channel.

7. An anchor member adapted to be connected t0 resilient means and secured to a window sash to support the sash for travel in a window frame wherein a housing in the window channel surrounds the resilient means, comprising; centrally disposed platform means having attachment means thereon for connecting the anchor member to the resilient means, support arms extending from opposite sides of said platform means, and orientation means extending from said platform means and adapted to seat in cooperating means formed in the hous- -ing to align the anchor member in predetermined rela- 6 tionship with the sash before the sash is initially seated on the anchor member to assure proper seating of the sash thereon.

8. The anchor member of claim 7 further characterized in that said orientation means comprises ear means extending trem said platform and adapted to seat in a cooperating slot on the housing.

9. The anchor member of claim 7 further characterized in that said support arms have surfaces opposite said orientation means which are inclined in the direction of said orientation means so as to prevent contact of said support arms with the channel as the sash travels therein.

10. The anchor member of claim 7 wherein the resilient means is a tension coil spring having a closed loop at one end thereof, said attachment means comprising a lip formed on said platform, said lip having a free end and being so shaped as to receive and retain the closed loop of said coil spring.

11. An anchor member adapted to oe connected to resilient means and secured to a Window sash to support the sash for travel in a Window frame wherein a housing in the window channel surrounds the resilient means, comprising; centrally disposed platform means having attachment means thereon for attaching to the resilient means, support arms extending from opposite sides of said platform means and adapted to support the sash, and an orientation ear extending from said platform and adapted to cooperate with the housing for centering the anchor member relative to the sash precedent to the sash being seated on the support member, said ear having an npturned extension at its outermost extremity for en gaging the housing and maintaining the anchor member in separated relationship with the channel precedent to the sash being seated.

References {Iited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,580,705 Tappan Jan. l, 1952 2,633,600 Larson Apr. 7, 1953 2,774,100 Larson et al Dec. 1S, 1956 2,786,230 Hettinger Mar. 26, 1957 3,021,578 Czubachowski Feb. 20, l962 3,034,170 Koebel u,--- May 15, 1962 

1. A SASH BALANCE ARRANGEMENT FOR COUNTER BALANCING A WINDOW SASH SLIDABLY MOUNTED IN THE OPPOSED VERTICALLY EXTENDING CHANNELS OF A WINDOW FRAME COMPRISING RESILIENT MEANS MOUNTED IN AT LEAST ONE OF SAID CHANNELS, ANCHOR MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID RESILIENT MEANS, SAID ANCHOR MEANS ADAPTED TO ENGAGE THE WINDOW SASH IN SUPPORTING RELATIONSHIP FOR TRAVEL IN SAID ONE CHANNEL, AND COOPERATING ORIENTATION MEANS ON SAID ANCHOR MEANS AND IN SAID CHANNEL FOR ALIGNING SAID ANCHOR MEANS IN PREDETERMINED RELATIONSHIP WITH SAID ONE CHANNEL AND ACCORDINGLY WITH THE SASH BEFORE THE SASH IS INITIALLY SEATED ON SAID ANCHOR MEANS TO ASSURE PROPER SEATING OF THE SASH THEREON. 